Grape-Nuts pudding is a classic New England dessert made with Grape-Nuts cereal, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. It is a soft, chewy, and flavorful custard that is perfect for any occasion.
If you are from the New England area, chances are you have either read Grape-Nuts Pudding on a dessert menu, or have tried it. I know I first tried it as a teen at my now husband’s house and I was instantly hooked. In fact, it is now even my favorite ice cream flavor!
What is Grape-Nut Pudding?
Grape Nut Pudding is a classic American dessert that has been around for over 100 years having started in Boston in the 1920’s. It is made with Grape-Nuts cereal (not discontinued), milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. The cereal is soaked in the milk until it is soft, then the eggs and sugar are beaten in. The mixture is then poured into a baking dish and baked until set. Grape Nut Pudding is a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Why We love This Vintage Dessert
There are many reasons why your family loves Grape-Nuts Pudding. Here are a few:
- It’s a classic dessert. Grape-Nuts Pudding has been around for over 100 years, and it’s a favorite dessert for many families. It’s a classic comfort food that brings back memories of childhood.
- It’s easy to make. Grape-Nuts Pudding is a simple dessert to make, even for beginner cooks. The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe is straightforward.
- It’s delicious. Grape-Nuts Pudding is a light and fluffy custard with a crunchy texture from the Grape-Nuts cereal. It’s sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, and it’s flavored with vanilla and nutmeg.
- It’s versatile. Grape-Nuts Pudding can be served plain or with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, ice cream, or fruit. It’s also a great dessert to make ahead of time.
Grape-Nuts Pudding Ingredients
I love how to ingredients of this custard dessert come together to make such a lovely, delicious dessert! You’ll need the following to make a delicious dessert.
- Grape-Nuts cereal is a whole-grain cereal that is high in fiber and protein. It also has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. When soaked in warm water, the Grape-Nuts cereal softens and becomes more pliable. This helps to bind the pudding together and gives it a slightly chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar is added to the pudding to sweeten it. The amount of sugar you use will depend on your personal preference.
- Vanilla extract is added to the pudding to give it a rich, vanilla flavor.
- Eggs are added to the pudding to help bind it together and to give it a light and fluffy texture.
- Whole milk is added to the pudding to make it creamy and rich.
- Melted butter is added to the pudding to give it a richer flavor and to help it brown in the oven.
How to Make Grapenut Pudding
Making Grapenut Pudding is super easy but does require some patience. You can get the detailed, printable recipe by clicking below!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Grape-Nuts cereal and warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk.
- Stir in the softened Grape-Nuts cereal.
- Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Dot the top of the pudding with melted butter.
- Place the baking dish on a baking sheet filled with water to create a water bath.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set in the center.
- Let the pudding cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes before serving.
Additional Recipe Tips
Want the perfect dessert? Check out some tips to ensure your pudding is perfection as it should be!
- Use whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
- Soak the Grape-Nuts cereal in warm water for at least 10 minutes, or until it is softened. This will help to prevent the pudding from becoming grainy.
- Bake the pudding in a water bath. This will help to prevent the pudding from forming a skin on top.
- Don’t overbake the pudding, or it will become dry.
- Let the pudding cool completely before serving. This will help the pudding to set and will prevent it from becoming runny.
- Serve the pudding warm with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, ice cream, or fruit.
Storing Grape-Nut Pudding
Grape-Nuts Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, let the pudding cool completely before covering it and placing it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, let the pudding come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also freeze Grape-Nuts Pudding for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the pudding cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped pudding in a freezer-safe container and freeze. When you are ready to serve, thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator.
Here are some additional tips for storing Grape-Nuts Pudding:
- If you are storing the pudding in the refrigerator, do not let it sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- If you are freezing the pudding, do not let it thaw at room temperature. Thaw the pudding overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve the pudding warm or cold.
Grape-Nuts Pudding
Equipment
- 9 x 13 casserole dish
- measuring cup
- Whisk
- Oven adjusted to the center rack position
- jelly roll pan *to create a water bath
Ingredients
- 1 cup Grape-Nuts Cereal *You will also need water to soak these in. See steps below!
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsps. vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp. melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Grape-Nuts cereal and warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until the cereal is softened.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk.
- Add the softened Grape-Nuts cereal to the egg mixture and stir until well combined.
- In a large bowl combine the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk in the milk, and melted butter and combine fully.
- Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Dot the top of the pudding with the melted butter.
- Place the baking sheet on a jellyroll pan and fill it with water to create a water bath.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set in the center.
- Let the pudding cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes before serving.
Ellie says
Hi Amy and Jared!
First off you have a beautiful family!
As we speak I have your grapenut pudding in the oven cooking. I did spray my pan first and I added raisins. I love the straightforward simplicity of this recipe and eagerly await surprising my husband with it. The first time I ever had it was at Marliave’s in Boston MANY years ago and was so crazed over it I implored my mother to get the recipe for it which she did by calling into Gus Saunders radio show on WBZ. I lost the recipe years ago and never found another good one. I suspect yours is THE ONE…I’ll let you know…
Amy says
Hello Ellie,
Thank you, so much! I hope this recipe was what you were looking for!
Monika Auger says
A friend of mine sent me your recipe for GrapeNuts Pudding but unfortunately it ISN’ what I am almost desperately searching for!! Indeed years ago I did find one but seem to have misplaced it!! I do NOT like custards of any kind yet EVERY single recipe I’ve come across recently says GrapeNut CUSTARD pudding to GrapeNuts pudding CUSTARD
!! Have YOU ever made the pudding…NOT the custard? I believe a big difference between the two is how they are baked! The custards are often baked in a pan of water!! Can YOU PLEASE help me??
Allison Alvin says
Do you drain the GrapeNuts after soaking?
Amy Desrosiers says
Hello, you do not as the cereal will expand and absorb the water.
Diane Macleod says
I have a question on your recipe, soaking the Grape-Nuts cereal in warm water how much warm water, and does require to be drained before placing them to the remainder ingredients ?. Thank you.
Amy Desrosiers says
You add the cereal to the measuring cup and fill the water just until it reaches the top of the 8 ounces line. In reality, it will be way less than 8 ounces. You are just wanting to soak the cereal to soften it.